Chad LaRose, who helped the Hurricanes win the 2006 Stanley Cup, will attempt to play his way back into the NHL.

The forward, after a year away from hockey, signed a one-year American Hockey League contract Tuesday with the Charlotte Checkers, the Canes' AHL affiliate. If he plays well enough in Charlotte, LaRose could be called up and earn an NHL contact with Carolina and a spot on the roster.

LaRose, 32, has played 508 career NHL games, all with the Hurricanes between 2005-2013, scoring 85 goals and adding 95 assists. LaRose became an unrestricted free agent after the 2012-2013 season, but went unsigned and did not play hockey last season.